AT&T Expanding 5G Network Trials to Test Faster Service

The 5G tests are meant to determine if fixed wireless wave spectrum can operate through foliage, buildings and bad weather.

AT&T Inc. (T) is expanding trials testing 5G networks to three new cities by the end of the year: Waco, Texas; Kalamazoo, Michigan; and South Bend, Indiana, the company said in a Wednesday statement.

AT&T's 5G trials test a faster broadband service that delivers the last part of a connection through a radio signal using high-band wireless airwaves known as millimeter wave. Homes and businesses participating in the trials can stream AT&T's DirecTV Now service over a 5G connection and experience shorter lag times for video downloads and gaming.

AT&T already has similar 5G, or fixed wireless, trials in Austin, Texas, but the new cities will expand the trials to small businesses, churches, universities and other entities in a larger coverage area. The tests are meant to determine if fixed wireless wave spectrum can operate through foliage, buildings and bad weather.

AT&T, which is the number two wireless carrier in the U.S., is working with Ericsson (ERIC) , Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (SSNLF) , Nokia (NOK) and Intel Corp. (INTC) on the trials.